Dental Restoration Procedures: Dental Implants

For people who have experienced tooth loss, replacing teeth is extremely important. One common method of replacing lost teeth is through a dental restoration procedure that uses dental implants. These are devices implanted within the bone of the jaw as a root device to mimic the root of a tooth and eventually fuse with the bone to replace teeth, anchor tooth movement, and supplement a dental prosthesis, like a bridge, dentures, or crown. The implant is meant to function as and resemble an actual tooth, and this procedure can be a positive solution to replace lost teeth. Here is a look at some of the advantages of these procedures.

The Implant Procedure

Like any medical procedure, the exact nature of the process will be unique to the individual. For dental implant procedures, the first step typically involves personalizing a treatment plan and assessing your individual mouth. The root implant is placed into the bone socket of the missing tooth. This implant is simply a titanium post that will eventually fuse with the jawbone. The implant will be anchored in the jawbone, and as it heals, the implant will become fused to the jaw. This healing process normally takes six to twelve weeks. After the implant has fused to the jawbone, a connector post is attached to the implant post to hold the new ‘tooth’. The dentist will then take impressions of your teeth and make a model of your bite for suitability of the implants for your mouth.

The final step to the process involves attaching the crown replacement tooth to the post that has been fused to the jawbone. The new tooth is then matched in color to the rest of your teeth. After an adjustment period, the dental implant should look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. Maintaining dental implants is the same as general dental care–brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.

Restoration Advantages

Dental implants can offer a variety of advantages to those recovering from tooth loss. Since implants are designed to fuse with the jaw bone, they eventually become permanent teeth. For those missing teeth, implants have the advantage of looking like natural teeth in addition to functioning like real teeth over time. For those who previously had dentures, dental implants can markedly improve speech since the implants function as embedded teeth. For function, implants will also enable more natural chewing compared to dentures. Dental implants avoids affecting nearby teeth like tooth supporting bridging. Neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant, so there is more access between teeth to allow for easier cleaning and improved oral hygiene. For total tooth loss, implants can be a more natural, comfortable, and durable alternative than removable dentures. With consistent, positive oral care, dental implants can last a lifetime.

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Allan S. Thomas, DMD - Cosmetic and General Dentistry

The best dentist Salt Lake City has to offer, Allan Thomas provides family and sedation dentistry, dentures and veneers with careful attention to patient comfort. Call us today at (801) 322-4900http://www.allansthomas.com/